How to Maintain an Evaporative Air Cooler
Portable evaporative coolers make it easy to add moisture to your home in a way that’s efficient and flexible. These units can be moved from room to room or even taken with you when you travel.
These devices work best in arid locations where water can evaporate quickly into the air. However, they can also be used in humid environments.
Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative coolers use the natural phenomenon of water vaporization to cool air. They are also known as swamp coolers, desert Evaporative air cooler coolers, ducted evaporative cooling and adiabatic evaporative cooling systems.
The water that evaporates from evaporative pads takes the heat energy from the air that blows over them, and the resulting cooled air is blown into rooms through vents. The process requires much less energy than a refrigerated air conditioner, which is why evaporative cooling has become popular in hot climates.
Evaporative cooling works best in dry conditions because moisture in the air decreases the sensible heat of that air (that is, the heat you can feel) by increasing the latent heat (the heat required to make water change from a liquid to a vapor). That’s why it’s so effective in the desert.
As temperatures and humidity increase, evaporative cooling becomes less effective, because the water loses its ability to cool. That’s why a swamp cooler runs better at noon than it does at 6 a.m.
One of the biggest challenges of evaporative cooling is maintaining sufficient air movement to maintain a proper humidity level. It’s important that the system be properly installed and sized to ensure it can deliver enough cooled air to meet the space requirements, and that vents, house passageways, room doors and windows are positioned and oriented to allow air to move freely.
Evaporative Cooler Installation
Evaporative coolers work by using a fan to pull air over wet filter pads. The moisture in the pads cools the air and creates a pleasant smell. They cost about half as much to install and use one-quarter of the energy of refrigerated cooling systems. However, they require more regular maintenance than refrigerated air conditioning and can cause problems in dry climates.
You can choose to mount the evaporative cooler in either a central location that blows air into the house or connect it to ductwork, which distributes air to multiple rooms. A central-location installation works well in compact houses, but a ducted system can be used in most homes and is ideal for large houses with multiple bedrooms and hallways.
Preparing the Dropper
Ensure the dropper is not mounted directly on roof joists or beams, as this could lead Evaporative air cooler supplier to noise and vibration issues and damage to the ceiling. The dropper should be fixed to the roof structure on 3 sides, using appropriate mounting brackets and fixings. For larger down discharge coolers, a purpose built support frame must also be fitted (see assembly instructions).
Connect the water supply pipe to the water inlet fitting on the front of the tank. Ensure this is connected to a shut off valve and is easily accessible so it can be closed in winter. Also fit a tee and drain valve close to the cooler so you can easily drain out the tank.
Evaporative Cooler Maintenance
Evaporative coolers need regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. This includes cleaning the pads, filters and reservoir and replacing them as needed. Pads should be changed at least twice during the cooling season and can be cleaned with a mix of water and weak acid. This will help extend the life of your pads. If your evaporative cooler won’t start, it’s likely due to a blown fuse or a problem with the electrical wiring. An experienced AC repair professional can troubleshoot the problem and restore efficient operation.
Evaporative cooling is not a closed system, which means bacteria, mold and mildew can mix with the water passing through the pads and be blown into your home. Regular evaporative cooler cleaning and maintenance can prevent these contaminants from growing in the pads and damaging your health.
It’s also important to regularly clean the water tank, which can be cleaned with a cloth and white vinegar or even water treatment tablets. You should also drain the water tank and let it dry completely before storing the unit for winter. This ensures that there’s no bacteria or germs in the tank for when you use it again next summer. Before winterizing, you should also tighten any connections using a wrench or screwdriver and lightly lubricate the motor and blower bearings.
Evaporative Cooler Replacement
There are a number of signs that indicate it’s time to replace your swamp cooler. These include a stuttering fan, broken air pump, and leaks within the water reservoir. You should also regularly clean or replace the evaporative cooling pads. Dirty, worn-out pads trap dust, dirt, pollen, spores, and other airborne pollutants, reducing their efficiency. They can also lead to stale, musty odors in your home and can affect family members who have asthma or allergies.
Swamp Cooler Replacement
There are many types of evaporative cooling systems available, from portable units to roof-mounted options. The cost of a new evaporative cooler depends on the size and model you choose, with models ranging from $4,000 for a large commercial rooftop unit to $400 for a small portable swamp cooler.
Some evaporative cooling systems can be used in conjunction with ducts to distribute cooling throughout your home. These are called downdraft evaporative coolers and can be particularly effective in areas with high humidity.
Some manufacturers offer optional extras with their swamp coolers that can increase their effectiveness. Ice compartments and gel ice packs, for example, can make a significant difference in the amount of cooling power that an evaporative cooler produces. Other accessories, such as float valves, are useful for keeping the level of water in your swamp cooler at an even, consistent height.